Grande calling it quits (UPDATE: Thom Brennaman named replacement)

[Donder]

2nd item from Hal. Doesn't it seem like this news deserves a headline?

http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/cincinnati-reds/rolen-nothing-beats-experience-330026.html?cxtype=twt_HalMcCoy_Reds

I wonder what changes will be in store for the tv booth. More of Thom? Who else might they bring in? One of the radio subs (like Kelch?)

[Javy Pornstache]

Damn it. GG is the man, so much comedy, mostly unintentional, that made all these losing seasons more enjoyable. This sucks.

[GIDP]

I wont miss him at all.

[BigPoppa]

Grande isn't edge of your seat exciting, but like a broken-in pair of slippers, he is familiar and comfortable and calming. And like that Uncle everybody has, he's ultra corny sometimes. I'll miss him. He can be boring, etc. but I think he is truly decent man. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Who replaces him ? AND Marty has suggested that 2010 may be it for him, so that would be 2 big shakeups in 2 years. I like Kelch, and I'd like to see him get a chance to replace Marty.

I'm not a huge Thom fan, but that's probably what we're looking at.

[Javy Pornstache]

I will miss the endless shout-outs to Jesse Jackson, Brian Hunterman, Christian Roberts, and all those other people we should have no business knowing their names.

[BigPoppa]

I will miss the endless shout-outs to Jesse Jackson, Brian Hunterman, Christian Roberts, and all those other people we should have no business knowing their names.

What about the ad nauseum references to Welsh's house as "The Ponderosa" ?:beerme:

[NeilHamburger]

HEY!!! Well, Hi, Hello and Welcome to the end for George Grande. Grande, well, you know his story. He came to the Reds in 93 following working for ESPN. He's the only tv PBP guy I can remember broadcasting reds games (i'm 24) so I am a bit sad for that reason. It's a major part of my youth gone. I watch games on tv much more frequently then listen on the radio so I remember most of my great Reds memories with the calls of George Grande. From clutch Larkin hits into the gap to win games. To Kevin Mitchell putting on a hitting display that I haven't seen a Red come close to topping yet. To Ron And Reggie in 95. To Eric Davis making a great comeback in 96. To Curtis Goodwinn walkoff HR's in 97. To the great return of Deion Sanders (remember that game). To opening day 2000. To HEY!! To Larkin scoring the winning run on opening day in dramatic fashion. To the opening of GABP. To Dunn's walkoff GS agains the Indians.

In spite of all of that I'm not entirely sad to see him go from a pure broadcasting standpoint. The last few years his sugar sweet style has begun to wear on me. I think it's time for a change.

I'll see ya at the ballpark Grande.

[Carin4Narron]

George Grande you know his story................. yada yada yada

[Old NDN]

I liked Grande. I found his PBP much more informative than MB on the radio. I haven't listened to a game on the radio in a few years because of the constant rants of MB. Good luck George. At least a few of us appreciated your professionalism.

[Newman4]

I didn't like him personally. I hate the Cardinals and he likes them. I remember him for the man love of one Jim Edmonds. I thought he called a crappy game too. Misjudged all kinds of plays (Jay Bruce's warning track fly ball the other night). Reds can do better.

[ILoveWilly]

How was his announcement, or did he say it yet?

[Redlegs212]

Loved George Grande. Gonna be sad to see him go...

[mdccclxix]

I think GG had good insight into the organization, he'll be a valuable resource gone. I hope they find a suitable replacement.

[Javy Pornstache]

My favorite GG moment of all time was when Junior hit his 500th home run in 2004 against St. Louis, distinctly remember the game, they were wearing the teal armbands as part of the annual "fight prostate cancer" week, and when it went off the bat, the home run call was just a squeaky "HEEEEEEEEYYYYY!!!! He did iiiiiiiit!" in a weird cross between Vin Scully and Screech. Best home run call ever.

[jhiller21]

George was a very nice guy, but I won't miss him in the booth one bit.

If we can get Thom and Chris to do 100+ games together that would be great. Welsh is a lot better without Grande in the booth IMO.

[mroby85]

Wow, this was a quick announcement. Didn't even get to catch his last game with the Bengals on. This is surprising since Friday night he was talking about the countdown to opening day. Wonder if he was forced out possibly?

[BigPoppa]

Wow, this was a quick announcement. Didn't even get to catch his last game with the Bengals on. This is surprising since Friday night he was talking about the countdown to opening day. Wonder if he was forced out possibly?

I hope he wasn't, because he should be waaaaaay down on the list of who needs to be forced out in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

[jhc2010]

This has been the approximate breakdown of announcing crews since the 2007 season (when all announcers signed new contracts)...

WLW - all 162 games
FS Ohio - 145 games

Chris Welsh - 120 TV
George Grande - 100 TV
Thom Brennaman - 45 TV
Jeff Brantley - 25 TV
Total: 145 PxP, 145 Color

Thom Brennaman - 45 Radio
Jeff Brantley - 120 Radio
Marty Brennaman - 150 Radio
Total: 315 seats filled between the three of them, 324 seats needed

Fill-in guests for various broadcasts in 2009:
Jim Kelch (about 10 games on Radio, 2 games on TV)
Kent Mercker (1 game on Radio, 3 Spring Training games on Radio)
Dan Hoard (4 games Radio)


Kelch has filled in holes where Marty (or sometimes Thom) would be working by themselves (those 9 games were originally set aside for Joe Nuxhall before he passed).

Kelch also worked 14 regular season games on Radio for the Reds in 2008 in addition to calling more than 100 games for Reds AAA affiliate Louisville.

Kelch also made his debut on TV this year calling two games including a game in Chicago that Thom could not work when it was added to the FS Ohio schedule.

Dan Hoard filled in for Marty when he went to the 50th Anniversary of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Those three games were in Pittsburgh from May 1-3. Hoard also joined Marty in the booth for one game on July 27 against San Diego.

Kent Mercker, the Dublin, Ohio native and former Red (1997, 2003, 2005-06, 2008) joined Marty in the broadcast booth for three Spring Training games as well as a regular season contest this season.

Sean Casey? Can they get "The Mayor" to fill the 100-game void left by Grande? Or is Casey not a play-by-play man?

[Red Forman]

GOOD RIDDANCE gg!!!!



Good week for Reds....

Got rid of DICK Pole + gg!

2010 season is already off to a positive start!!!:thumbup:


:beerme:

[PedroBourbon]

I really liked George, he seemed to be a real genuine class act. He and Welsh worked well together. Yesterday's broadcast was great having Sean Casey, Bud Selig among others call in with their comments and recollections. It wasn't exactly the tear jerker that the Nuxy finale was, but it was cool to watch and the Reds played well to boot.

(Too bad they couldn't jerk Selig's chain about Rose again!)

Best of luck in retirement GG.:drink:

[Ghosts of 1990]

Grande was awful..... I still got used to him. See ya George.

[Fon Duc Tow]

Grande finally scampers home on the sunny side of the scoreboard.

[Redlegs212]

I mean i guess how people can think he was annoying, but i just dont see how your happy to see him go.. It just wont be the same next year and after without him.

I loved George Grande, he was basically a role model and a person I would like to be like as I pursue a career in sports broadcasting.

Best of Luck George! :beerme:

[Caveman Techie]

His play by play was lacking, but George was a stand-up kind of guy. I will always respect him for his stance on not saying "Best Damn Sports Show".

[BRM13]

George was a very nice guy, but I won't miss him in the booth one bit.

If we can get Thom and Chris to do 100+ games together that would be great. Welsh is a lot better without Grande in the booth IMO.

I pretty much agree with this. GG seems like a great guy, but I won't really miss him (until he's replaced by some insufferable fool). Welsh could, I think, be quite good with a different partner. I like him with Thom, for example. I think Welsh takes on the personality of the PBP guy, and he's better when the PBP guy has a bit of an edge.

[BigPoppa]

This has been the approximate breakdown of announcing crews since the 2007 season (when all announcers signed new contracts)...

WLW - all 162 games
FS Ohio - 145 games

Chris Welsh - 120 TV
George Grande - 100 TV
Thom Brennaman - 45 TV
Jeff Brantley - 25 TV
Total: 145 PxP, 145 Color

Thom Brennaman - 45 Radio
Jeff Brantley - 120 Radio
Marty Brennaman - 150 Radio
Total: 315 seats filled between the three of them, 324 seats needed

Fill-in guests for various broadcasts in 2009:
Jim Kelch (about 10 games on Radio, 2 games on TV)
Kent Mercker (1 game on Radio, 3 Spring Training games on Radio)
Dan Hoard (4 games Radio)


Kelch has filled in holes where Marty (or sometimes Thom) would be working by themselves (those 9 games were originally set aside for Joe Nuxhall before he passed).

Kelch also worked 14 regular season games on Radio for the Reds in 2008 in addition to calling more than 100 games for Reds AAA affiliate Louisville.

Kelch also made his debut on TV this year calling two games including a game in Chicago that Thom could not work when it was added to the FS Ohio schedule.

Dan Hoard filled in for Marty when he went to the 50th Anniversary of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Those three games were in Pittsburgh from May 1-3. Hoard also joined Marty in the booth for one game on July 27 against San Diego.

Kent Mercker, the Dublin, Ohio native and former Red (1997, 2003, 2005-06, 2008) joined Marty in the broadcast booth for three Spring Training games as well as a regular season contest this season.

Sean Casey? Can they get "The Mayor" to fill the 100-game void left by Grande? Or is Casey not a play-by-play man?


Mercker was....um.....not great...in the booth. I listened to that game.

I'd rather have Casey as hitting coach than a broadcaster.

[Ghosts of 1990]

I will always respect him for his stance on not saying "Best Damn Sports Show".

why? that was hideous

[roby]

I grew to really like George. At first, I wasn't sure he was genuine...but after awhile, he proved to be exactly what he seemed to be. I saw him at Redsfest a couple of years ago, perusing through the tables of memorabilia. It was obvious he was a true baseball fan and was enjoying himself about like a ten-year-old kid would. As for the best sports show period. I applaud George for his decency. we need more like him! For those of you who are cutting on him, I'm sure he likes you anyway. That's the kind of guy he is. Best to you George!

[gedred69]

I was constantly annoyed by his schtick about the supposed "in-depth" conversations he had with players, coaches, etc. "prior to today's game". I always thought it was fake, and a test of my gag reflex. When not at the game, I usually watched the game, and Listened to the radio if he was in the TV booth. Listening to his evaluations/opinions away from the broadcast booth though, he could be extremely insightful, deep, and well thought out.

[Maldez]

Maybe the Disney Channel can pick him up........or Mr. Nice Guy could do commercials for Happy Time Lemonade......or sermons on one of those religious stations.

[markymark69]

The one thing I liked about Grande was that it appeared he didn't have an ego in a profession that is dominated by egomaniacs. That was refreshing. He never made the game about himself, some announcers do. It was always about the game --- he seemed very genuine.

All the complaints and the criticisms are valid, but George was positive, maybe too much so, that was also refreshing.

I wish him well and I will watch the Reds no matter who is the TV booth.

[pjhogan]

If the Reds forced him out - I say thank you. I can't remember him adding anything worthwhile to a telecast other than knowing the nicknames of the wives of the opposing teams first base coach.

[Jr's Boy]

George was a rarity nowadays in sports broadcasting,an announcer who kept his negative thoughts on the players and team to himself.I could get enough of that from Marty ad nauseum.Though Grande did get under my my skin from time to time with his goofy saying's and such,I'm actually going to miss hearing the man.Thanks and best of luck Mr Grande.

[Javy Pornstache]

The one thing I liked about Grande was that it appeared he didn't have an ego in a profession that is dominated by egomaniacs. That was refreshing. He never made the game about himself, some announcers do. It was always about the game --- he seemed very genuine.

All the complaints and the criticisms are valid, but George was positive, maybe too much so, that was also refreshing.

I wish him well and I will watch the Reds no matter who is the TV booth.

Absolutely, 100% on the money. As someone in this same business, I can attest to the egomaniacs that abound it, no matter how low on the totem-pole, everyone is a "star" in their own mind. GG is one of the few completely down-to-earth guys.

[Ghosts of 1990]

With George Grande, things were always on the up & up:

http://www.diamondhoggers.com/2009/04/with-george-grande-things-are-always-on.html

[minus5]

I'm sure George is a nice guy but I'm happy that he's going to scamper home.

[NeilHamburger]

The TV blog on the enquirer site just announced Thom is taking over Grande's duties, and will be announcing 100 games on tv, doing only 5-10 radio games. He's cutting back his Fox duties.

Now, the Reds are just looking for a swingman for the 45 or so games he had done.

[Alpha Zero]

I was hoping for Kelch, but I think I can live with Thom. He isn't bad when paired with Chris Welsh. Just keep him away from Brantley as much as possible, and he'll probably be fine.

[gobucks106]

Has anyone heard the umor that either Dan Hoard or Paul Keels may be up for the swingman job to do the extra games. I was hoping for Jim Kelch but I could live with Paul Keels as I am a big Buckeye fan and love the job he does on the OSU Football and Basketball Broadcasts. Now as for Dan Hoard I like his work ethic and her perseverence considering he has applied for the Reds gig more than once since Joe's days in the both. Dan is currently not only the play by play guy for UC Football & I believe Basketball but took the Play by Play job for the Pawtucket Red Sox to keep his baseball play by play skills sharp. As much as I respect him I am just not blown away with him as a play by play guy. My vote is for Paul Keels.

[WildcatFan]

I had a Twitter conversation with C Trent today, and I said that my lineup would be Thom and Chris on TV and Marty and Kelch on the radio with Cowboy the swingman. He said he likes Marty and Cowboy, Thom and Chris, with Kelch/Hoard as the Radio/TV swingmen. I just think Kelch is too good to keep in AAA.

[Danethomp]

I just think Kelch is too good to keep in AAA.

Agreed!

[Wallyposter]

Kelch is an outstanding choice for radio! I am thrilled with this decision and I have been hoping for this for the last two years. He knows the game, calls a great game and has a major league voice. I am really looking forward to listening to the Reds on Radio!

[Vottomatic]

Kelch has been promoted to do radio with Marty. Thom will do TV with Welsh/Brantley and some radio with his Dad. They will all alternate to give time off just like they did last season.

I'm fine with Kelch. If they ever have to hire someone again, Dan Hoard is my next first choice. Classy quality guy and great play by play announcer.

[ryanparkersongs]

I think this is a great move. For all we lack between the lines, we have the best broadcasters in the business.

[BigPoppa]

Good for Kelch ! :thumbup: I like him and I'm glad he's getting more recognition.

With Thom entrenched on the TV side now (presumably) does this make Kelch the heir apparent to Marty ?

[Redsfan320]

I'm not sure about this. I like Thom, but he annoys me sometimes. Not sure why.
Maybe it's because he never seems very enthusiastic, whereas Grande was; I loved Grande, and I still don't understand why so many want to bash him. So he says the same things sometimes (6-4-yessiree-3, etc.). So what? I think I probably would've preferred Kelch to take the TV job, but I like the idea of him taking over on radio after Marty's gone.

From sunny Florida :cool:,
320

[NeilHamburger]

Actually this is the first step in Thom becoming the official voice of the Reds when Marty retires in case people haven't noticed. The big hurdle was his committment to the Fox Network. This is a big time sign that he wants to follow in his father's footsteps, and eventually become the fulltime radio voice of the reds.

My guess is when Marty retires Thom takes over as the voice of the reds.

[FlyerFanatic]

I'm not sure about this. I like Thom, but he annoys me sometimes. Not sure why.
Maybe it's because he never seems very enthusiastic, whereas Grande was; I loved Grande, and I still don't understand why so many want to bash him. So he says the same things sometimes (6-4-yessiree-3, etc.). So what? I think I probably would've preferred Kelch to take the TV job, but I like the idea of him taking over on radio after Marty's gone.

From sunny Florida :cool:,
320

i imagine he annoys you like he does other people, at times he seems to drag out the negativity. i like thom personally, i also like the fact he calls out players who screw up. thoms problem is he'll harp on that same mistake innings after it has happened. that tends to be annoying. i prefer that over grande being all sunshine and rainbows even when this team is terrible

[Redsfan320]

i imagine he annoys you like he does other people, at times he seems to drag out the negativity. i like thom personally, i also like the fact he calls out players who screw up. thoms problem is he'll harp on that same mistake innings after it has happened. that tends to be annoying. i prefer that over grande being all sunshine and rainbows even when this team is terrible

Nice post. :thumbup:, although I still prefer Grande.

One thing similar between Marty and Thom is that Thom seems to have that ability to vividly describe the on-field action like Marty has (although Marty's much better at it). Of course, this would seem to suggest that Thom would be better for radio.

BTW, I love the addition of Kelch as the fifth member of the team, and think he definitely was deserving of the call-up.

From sunny Florida (although it's poring rain right now :() :cool:,
320

[smoke6]

Adios George! Now if we could only get rid of Chris Welsh. Horrible.

[Redsfan320]

Now if we could only get rid of Chris Welsh. Horrible.

What's your problem with Welsh, man?

From sunny Florida (but still raining :() :cool:,
320

[Redsfan320]

Another thing I've noticed-- has anyone else noticed that Chris Welsh seems to severely dislike Thom?

From sunny Florida (rain stopped, but now it's almost as cold as Ohio :eek:) :cool:,
320

[DaytonFlyer]

Another thing I've noticed-- has anyone else noticed that Chris Welsh seems to severely dislike Thom?

Yes, it has seemed that way. Welsh definitely has a much harder edge on him when paired with Thom. And someone please stop Cowboy from EVER doing radio pbp again... I would sooner jab hot pokers in my ears than hear him do pbp. He is ok as a color guy, I suppose.

[arkimadee]

Although sometimes he got on my nerves I'm truley going to miss him this year. One thing he gave me that Thom doesn't is a positive vibe while watching the game. Thom is one of the best in the buisness but when the reds are going bad he makes you want to slit your wrist in depression. George always had a way of making me think positive about games. I hear he will be back in September for a few games. Hopefully we will still be in contention then.

[MBZags]

Yeah, I understand what you mean, but sometimes I feel like Grande was almost too optimistic. However, that just seems like his nature. Nevertheless, I'd rather have an announcer tell it like it is, although maybe not in the macabre tone that Thom sometimes delivers. Somewhere in the middle of the two would be perfect for my tastes. With the (hopeful) rise in the team's performance, maybe Thom will find that middle ground that I'm looking for.

I, too, will miss Grande, though. I grew up watching him call all the Reds' games on TV. My dad has a propensity for making fun of Grande's style (e.g. "This one will stay in the park"), and it sometimes did become annoying. But Grande definitely exuded a positive energy and was an overall classy guy. I'm looking forward to hearing him in September.

[sivman17]

I echo both of what you two said. Grande is very positive, and sometimes way too positive, especially considering the lack of success the Reds have had for the past decade.

Thom really does get on my nerves sometimes, though. Late in the game he wants to talk about anything except for the game that is going on. He can get on a subject irrelevant to the game at hand and he can go on and on and on and on.

I will definitely miss Grande. He's a good guy even if he never says anything bad about the Reds, which is a good thing I guess.

[muddie]

I liked the guy's style. I'm new to the Reds family so to speak, but I did watch some games last season on the MLB Extra Innings and really did enjoy his work.

[OGB]

I had an almost tradition with my Dad, cousins, and with several friends of poking fun at GG. Whether it was his Sipowicz style short sleeve shirt and tie, his many catch phrases (hit pretty good), his tendency to say things like "it'll stay in the park" for a ball hit 220 feet, or his general "gee shucks" attitude, George was a never ending source of entertainment when the Reds were having frustrating seasons.
In some small way I'll be sorry to see him go, although I can't say it'll be hard to find a replacement who does a better job. I can't knock the guy personally, even though I wasn't a fan of him professionally. By all accounts he is a very friendly, decent guy and I certainly wish him the best in his life after FSNOhio.


I just think Kelch is too good to keep in AAA.
Let me be the 4th or 5th person to agree with this one. I think Kelch has a solid voice and does a great job on the mic.

The one thing I liked about Grande was that it appeared he didn't have an ego in a profession that is dominated by egomaniacs. That was refreshing. He never made the game about himself, some announcers do. It was always about the game --- he seemed very genuine.

Absolutely, his unassuming nature was one of his strongest qualities


I pretty much agree with this. GG seems like a great guy, but I won't really miss him (until he's replaced by some insufferable fool). Welsh could, I think, be quite good with a different partner. I like him with Thom, for example. I think Welsh takes on the personality of the PBP guy, and he's better when the PBP guy has a bit of an edge.

I couldnt agree more. Grande is all smiles and sunshine, and Welsh becomes unbearably sappy when they work together.


George was a rarity nowadays in sports broadcasting,an announcer who kept his negative thoughts on the players and team to himself.I could get enough of that from Marty ad nauseum.Though Grande did get under my my skin from time to time with his goofy saying's and such,I'm actually going to miss hearing the man.Thanks and best of luck Mr Grande.
As a TV guy, it isn't necessary for Grande to inject any scathing commentary--everyone sees exactly what is going on. If Edwin Encarnacion doesn't run to 1st base on a pop fly, the viewers see it for themselves. As Marty tries to paint a picture of the game for his listeners, he sets a tone based on the way he reacts to an umpire's call, a baserunner's lack of hustle, or an infielder's poor throw to first.
I realize it is too much for some, but I like Marty's call it like he sees it approach and I think he has been with the organization long enough to have earned that right. I also don't think it helps that for about 9 years, the Reds have been playing sub .500 and generally fundamentally poor baseball.


If the Reds forced him out - I say thank you. I can't remember him adding anything worthwhile to a telecast other than knowing the nicknames of the wives of the opposing teams first base coach.
As ridiculous as those types of references were, I generally found them amusing in a, "Oh gosh, here George goes again" kind of way.